The month of June is known as National Camping Month and I personally am ready for camping season. I look forward to getting off the grid and experiencing nature at its finest. A time to log off, check-out and just relax. Of course before one can really do so there is usually a lot of planning and packing that has to happen.
One thing I learned over the years is the easier I make the planning and packing process, the more excited I am for my trip. Below are a couple of camping tips and tricks to help you with your next outdoor adventure:
- Keep all your camping essentials in a plastic storage tub. Be sure to keep all supplies at full inventory, that way when you are ready to load the car, all you need to do is grab your tubs and go.
o Camping tub contents:
Garbage bags
Anti-bacterial hand wipes
Flashlights – check your batteries before your trip
Table cloth and clips
Bug spray – citronella candles work great too
Sun screen
Matches or lighter
First aid kit
Multi-purpose tool or a knife
Axe
Hand broom and dust pan (for sweeping out the tent before you leave)
Camera and extra batteries (check your memory card)
Bungi cords or tie downs
o Kitchen/Food tub:
Aluminum foil
Pot/pan
Utensils (including BBQ tools and oven mitt)
Cups, plates, napkins
Dry food – packing your cooler full of cold items
Water jug
Salt and pepper
Can opener
Dish soap and sponge
o Tenting equipment:
Tent and stakes
Tent turf rug or breathable mat (helps keep dirt out of your tent and creates a comfortable space)
Tent rug stakes
Mallet or hammer
Tarp for underneath your tent
Camping chairs
o Sleeping essentials:
Sleeping bags and pillows
Pads to sleep on or air mattress (don’t forget an air pump)
Sheets/blankets
o Of course each family member will need to have their clothing and bathroom essentials – including a pair of water proof flip flops and bath towels. Don’t forget your toothbrush!
Some other non-packing tips:
- While camping, be sure to keep all your food locked up in tubs or coolers, the last thing you need is old Yogi bear making a sandwich with your lunch meat.
- Keep the trip short – both in driving distance and number of nights. You do not necessarily have to travel far to make it camping.
- Take advantage of the “free, don’t have to pack entertainment”. Go on a nature hike or scavenger hike.
- Plan your menu ahead of time and keep it simple. It is amazing how good a peanut butter and jelly sandwich can taste when camping.
- Check the weather forecast and plan your outfits and equipment accordingly.
- Plan on purchasing firewood from your campground – cash is always handy for this.
- When reserving your camping site, be sure to be close to the restrooms.
- Avoid last minute packing by packing for your trip well in advance.
And remember, the entire point of camping is to relax and enjoy!
To learn more about the available sizes and colors of the tent turf rugs, check them out here. If you don’t see the size you are looking for, be sure to call us at (480) 635-8643, we specialize in custom sizes.
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